It is meant to be messy. It will not work out perfectly. But you must decide, over and over again, to align with your greatest life’s mission — to be authentically and completely yourself. You will be pulled, pushed, and often fall to your knees wondering, “Is this for me?”

Yet then the sun rises to meet your purpose and passion. If you keep that fire burning, it will fuel your growth. You cannot stay where you stand, or you will melt in the very heat that forges or destroys you. The power of creativity can transform even the hardest stone.

I have been hiding from that literary calling, making it harder than it needs to be — overthinking and adding far too many steps. So I simplify. I build on progress already written and printed. I have a meeting Thursday with the original editor of my book to work on the game plan for the expanded version.

Stay out of your own way.